The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-04-14
THE K. OF L. CONSTITUTION
A Number of Important Changes Rec
commended by the Committee on Law.
Indications that the Strike Of ve-Molders
Will Shortly Extend All Over the COun-
try-Chicago Carpenters Still Idle.
snec;a, to the INDIANAPOLIS Journal

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
Boston, April 13-The committee on law ap-
pointed at the last General Assembly Of the
knights of Labor, at Richmond, to revise the
constitution, has finished its work. Following
are the most important regulations adopted:
The formation of national trades districts will
be permitted, but those local assemblies
clusivey composed of one trade but attached to
district assembly OF mixed nature, must nrst
obtain the permission of the district assembly;
then must forward its application to the general
secretary, VINO will lay the matter before al! the
local assemblies of the craft in the country.
No trades-unon can make person Join their
union before such person can join the knights of
Labor organization of their craft This law is
aimed at the hatters and glass makers unions.
Besides the prohibition of rum-sellers from
mem bership. no local assembly will be allowed
TO have any social gathering, or picnic, where
liquor is sold, and no member will be allowed to
dispense liquor In the name of an assembly. If
such should occur. the charter of tho assembly
will be revoked and the members expelled.
The rule requiring that at least ten members
shall be present at every meeting for the dis
cusson OF labor questions has been abolished,
and in it's place a rule has been made that every
assembly shall hold meeting at least once a
month. at which only the labor questions shall
be discussed. This is q return to the educational
policy adopted at the inception of the order.
Every local assembly must obtain permission
from the district assembly before it 60
q revocation of charter
Any member making eroundless charges or
malicious attack against general officer
member Of the general executive board will be
expelled.
To the proposition blanks the following ques-
tons have been added: ''Are you a member Of
any labor organizationl If so, whatl"
Hereafter, transfer cards will be sent to the
secretary of the local assembly which a mem
Der desires to join, instead of being given to the
member himself. This is TO prevent members
desiring to 90 into the liquor business from
having their transfer cards framed and hung up
behind their bars.
The platform of principles has been changed
to read: mo more public lands for railroads and
other speculationsn
Insurance policies of $500 will be issued as we'll
as of 81, 200. Medical examination and doctors
certificate will now be required.
No person will have a right to make motion
in any local assembly that the assembly with
draw as body from the Knights, and no chair
man will be allowed to entertain any such mo-
tion Any individual desiring TO withdraw can
do so.
The constitution, as revised. will be submitted
to the local assemblies for adoption. Forty days
notice must be given of any further amendment
The committee on revision consisted of John
Devlin, of Detroit: John Howes, of Worcester;
d. j. Haggerty. of Brooklyn, and Henry Abra-
hams, of Boston.